The creative process for coming up with new handbag designs is definitely dynamic. Like all good art, the essential piece is the initial inspiration. That’s when it’s time to hit the open road, exploring the byways of a state, crawling over the geography, catching that certain slant of light as another fascinating town disappears in the rearview mirror. Stunning natural resources, quirky traits, and significant historical events also go into the mix.

Sometimes the details come together all at once, sometimes it’s piecemeal. That’s when the swatches come out. Fabric textures (rugged or smooth? sueded or sleek?), textile features (tiny and delicate or bold and splashy? bright or neutral?)…it all goes into the great melting pot of ideas. Then there’s the different types of trim, a million samples of hardware, and of course, the occasional golden retriever who wanders through the atelier in search of a good ear scratching.

By the time a few different sketches have passed muster, it’s down to making the decisions that stick. When it’s all over, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts, and voilà—another great tool for self-expression is ready for market.